How To Choose A Fruit Bowl & Basket

What Type of Fruit Bowl or Basket Should I Choose?

There are hundreds of colors and designs to choose from, but fruit bowls and baskets can mainly be divided into six main categories. Needless to say, some work better with certain types of kitchen décor than others.

• Classic: simple things are often the best, and that's probably why the traditional bowl-shaped design is still one of the most popular. Often monochrome, it complements kitchens with a minimalist or Scandinavian aesthetic;

• Pedestal: just like the ones you find in still life, this slightly elevated version maintains the practicality f the classic bowl but adds a stylistic element that can make it more appropriate for traditional or mid-Century modern kitchens;

• Multipurpose: if you haven't always got enough fresh fruit to display and could do with optimizing your kitchen space, you might want to consider a fruit bowl that can also turn into a cake stand, bread basket, salad bowl, and so on; these usually follow the classic design, but are slightly flatter;

• Tiered: do you always end up buying so much fruit that you struggle to spread it evenly? Pick a layered design so that you can fit double (or triple!) the amount without revolutionizing your entire countertop;

• Hanging: not enough room on your kitchen counter at all? Hanging fruit baskets are the ultimate space optimizers, and they usually come in tiers;

"One of my favorite ways of creating more space ( is to store things vertically, rather than horizontally across my countertops. I've been relying on hanging baskets in my kitchen for storing everything from bread to bananas, and I love how they create space and structure at the same time." Says a chef, Laura Denby, in "Food & Wine"

• Innovative: there are also plenty of items that don't really fit within the traditional categories, such as spiral vertical baskets made of wire, fanned-out metal structures, or even foldable bowls! These unique designs can be conscious artistic additions to modern or industrial kitchens.

What Shape & Size Fruit Bowl is Right for Me?

The importance of their shape goes beyond its aesthetic value! Here are some things to consider regarding the shape and size of your fruit bowl and basket:

• What type of fruit do you usually buy? A bowl won't automatically accommodate any type of fruit! If you usually stick to a specific fruit or the most common apple shape, then you can get creative with innovative designs. However, the largest fruits won't fit in some of the quirkiest ones, and the smallest could easily fall in between their gaps. If you usually mix and match, it might be better to stick to traditional designs;

• Will my fruit be crammed into this particular bowl? The safest bet is one that allows air circulation under the fruit; however, if the bowl is quite wide and you aren't planning on filling it with multiple layers, it will still work. As for size, investing in a large bowl when you only ever buy a handful of pieces per week will be just as impractical as trying to cram too much into a smaller one.

"Don't overload your fruit bowl. Use one piece of each kind of fruit to create a variety, dynamic decor and beautiful fountain of color."Decortips.com

What Is the Best Material for a Fruit Bowl?

There are three ways in which the material of a fruit bowl & basket makes the difference: aesthetics, ventilation, and fragility. While the first one is a matter of personal preference and depends on your existing kitchen décor, the last two are practical considerations.

• Wire mesh and ceramic bowls are the best options for preserving your fruit for longer;

• Plastic and non-metal mesh are usually cheaper, but can speed up fruit deterioration by making it sweat;

• The most durable fruit bowls are made of metal, wood or bamboo;

• Materials like glass, crystal or porcelain can create a sophisticated look, but keep in mind that they're extremely fragile; they might not be the best option if you have young children or adventurous cats lurking around.

Quick Tips

Let's recap!

• Choose a style that matches your kitchen's décor as well as your practical needs.
• Multipurpose, hanging or tiered baskets are great space-saving options.
• If you're intrigued by a modern, innovative design, think of what types of fruit you can and cannot fit: does it match your usual purchases?
• When it comes to size, be realistic regarding the amount of fruit that you buy on a regular basis.
• Materials like wire mesh and ceramic can preserve your fruit for longer, whereas plastic and non-metal mesh can have the opposite effect.